The Beauty of Coconut Oil

Loosely following our praise of white tea, I was inspired to share another favorite, all-round beauty and health remedy: coconut oil. Ever since I’ve learned of it’s myriad of uses, I’ve kept it on hand in both our bathroom and kitchen. Once you’ve learned more about the ways it can be used, you may be tempted to purchase a jar or two, as well.

This delicious oil, which contains lauric acid, a healthy fat, is used around the world as a part of many native diets and as a uniquely potent and diverse medicinal aid.  Like white tea, coconut oil shows evidence of supporting heart health, lowering cholesterol, increasing metabolism, and raising immune function. It’s also said to support healthy pregnancy (as with other health conditions, please discuss with your doctor first).

Coconut oil works beautifully in stir-fries, salad dressings, smoothies, to fry eggs, and even as a tasty and heart healthy toast spread. It smells delicious and tastes creamy and subtly sweet, making it a true pleasure to use.

As if all of these benefits weren’t enough, coconut oil makes a wonderfully multi-faceted beauty aid—at relatively minimal cost. I’ve used it to remove makeup and to erase static from my hair, but its applications appear almost endless.

• Moisturize dry skin: Coconut oil soothes the skin barrier, smoothes away skin flakes, and helps protect skin against the elements. It also makes a superb hand cream and cuticle softener.
• Combat acne: Lauric acid reputedly improves acne, but do use caution, as reports on this particular application are mixed.
• Soothe sunburns: Apply coconut oil to burned skin for calming relief and increased healing properties.
• Heal bruises, scrapes and cuts: Smooth over wounds for a quickened healing process.
• Remove makeup and cleanse skin: Spread the coconut oil over your face and remove with warm water and a washcloth. Makeup easily dissolves and washes away.
• Condition, protect, and strengthen hair: dampen hair, apply a generous amount of coconut oil and then leave in your hair for as long as you wish. Rinse, then wash and condition hair as usual. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the hair shaft, and leaves hair soft and shiny. To reduce hair static and add a glossy sheen, try a tiny dab in dry hair.
• Soothe dry lips: coconut oil makes a perfect lip balm. No directions necessary.
• Increase eyelash growth: although I’ve never tried this, much anecdotal enthusiasm exists. Apply to lash line with a q-tip and look for softer, thicker, stronger lashes.

Tip: For optimal health benefit, make sure to purchase extra-virgin, organic coconut oil, which can be found in most health food stores.

If you know of any additional uses for coconut oil, we’d love to hear from you!

All the best,
Adriane